Why this course?

This MSci is a five-year integrated Masters degree with entry into either Year 1 with Highers or Year 2 with Advanced Highers or A Levels.

Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes), which include viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa. Microbes are a major cause of disease in humans but are useful in industrial processes from pollution control to the treatment of disease.

This Masters degree is for students who want to specialise in a single biomedical science. It’s particularly relevant if you want to pursue a research career.

In Years 1 to 4, you’ll follow the same curriculum as one of the joint Honours biomedical sciences degrees. In Year 5, you’ll focus on developing research skills and knowledge. A significant part of this course is project-based.

You’ll also choose two elective subjects from other departments across the University.

Years 3 & 4

You’ll specialise in microbiology.

Year 5

You’ll carry out a research project and specialise in one subject.

High Flyer Programme

Well-qualified applicants with appropriate A Levels and Advanced Highers will be admitted to the Faculty of Science prestigious 'High Flyer' Programme, which allows students to complete an Honours degree in three years and an Integrated Masters degree in four. If you are studying the relevant subjects you may receive a dual offer, specifying grades to direct entry to Year 2 as a High Flyer and also standard Year 1 entry.

Course content

Years 1 and 2 there's strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills and the development of generic skills such as scientific writing and problem-solving.

In Years 3 and 4 you'll take specialist classes in microbiology and one other subject chosen from immunology or biochemistry. You'll also undertake a substantial research project in Year 4 and present a dissertation of the work.

In Year 5, you'll complete a substantial laboratory-based research project and write a thesis based on your experimental data. You'll also study advanced research methods and critical analysis of scientific papers in microbiology.

Learning & teaching

To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace in advance. Hand-outs will also be supported by guided reading and tasks such as essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations.

Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry as well as the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.

Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number and numeracy and statistical skills that are used in the institute. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation and research skills are gained through project work which also develops team-working skills.

HNC/HND

Additional information

Deferred entry is accepted

Widening access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the
University of Strathclyde.

Fees & funding

How much will my course cost?

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Scotland/EU

2018/19 - £1,820

Rest of UK

2018/19 - £9,250

Assuming no change in Rest of UK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2017/18, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and Integrated Masters courses); MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on Integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

International

2018/19 - £18,750

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Additional fees

Course materials & costs

Lab coats and safety goggles

approx £25

PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)

Masters of Pharmacy students must pay for a PVG certificate during their first semester at a cost of £57. This is applicable across all schools of pharmacy.

How can I fund my studies?

Students from Scotland and the EU

If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

Available scholarships

Careers

You could be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process.

Our graduates find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service and teaching at all levels.

Many students also continue on to postgraduate studies and research.

The transferable skills you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.

How much will I earn?

NHS Microbiologists start their career as a Healthcare Scientist by applying for a place on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme. The starting salary for Band 6 is £26,041.*

Contact us

Apply

How to apply – 10 things you need to know

All undergraduate applications are made through UCAS
Go to the UCAS website to apply – you can apply for up to five courses.

It costs £12 to apply for a course
The cost is £23 for two to five courses.

The deadline is 15 January each year
This is the application deadline for most courses. However, please check the details for your particular course. View a full list of UCAS key dates.

You might be asked to attend an interview
Most of our courses make offers based on the UCAS application. However some might ask you to attend an interview or for a portfolio of work. If this is the case, this will be stated in the prospectus entry requirements.

It’s possible to apply directly to Year 2
Depending on your qualifications, you might be able to apply directly to Year 2 - or even Year 3 - of a course. Speak to the named contact for your course if you want to discuss this.

There’s three types of decision

unconditional – you’ve already met our entry requirements

conditional – we’ll offer you a place if you meet certain conditions, usually based on your exams

unsuccessful – we’ve decided not to offer you a place

You need to contact UCAS to accept your offer Once you’ve decided which course you’d like to accept, you must let UCAS know. You don’t need to decide until you’ve received all offers. UCAS will give you a deadline you must respond by.

You’ll choose one as your firm choice. If the offer is unconditional or if you meet the conditions, this is the course you’ll study.

You’ll also have an insurance choice. This is a back-up option if you don’t meet the conditions of your first choice.

You don’t need to send us your exam results (Scotland, England & Wales)
If you’re studying in Scotland, England or Wales, we receive a copy of your Higher/Advanced Higher/A Level results directly from the awarding body.
However, if you are studying a different qualification, then please contact us to arrange to send your results directly.